Malasadas are delightful Portuguese doughnuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These sweet treats are often enjoyed warm and rolled in sugar, making them a perfect indulgence for any occasion. Whether you're making them for a special celebration or just to satisfy a sweet craving, malasadas are sure to bring joy to your table.
Most of the ingredients for malasadas are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up a few items if they are not already in your kitchen. Active dry yeast is essential for the dough to rise properly, and you might need to visit the baking aisle for this. Additionally, ensure you have enough oil for frying, as this recipe requires a substantial amount.

Ingredients For Malasadas Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Active dry yeast: A leavening agent that helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and is also used for rolling the finished malasadas.
Warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Beaten eggs: Contribute to the dough's structure and richness.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Oil for frying: Used to fry the dough balls until golden brown and crispy.
Technique Tip for Malasadas
When letting the dough rise, place it in a slightly warm oven (around 100°F) to ensure a consistent temperature. This helps the yeast activate more effectively, resulting in a better rise and fluffier malasadas.
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Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give the malasadas a chewier texture.
active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour without needing to be dissolved in warm milk first.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a different flavor profile and can help keep the malasadas moist.
warm milk - Substitute with warm almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture and moisture.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor to the malasadas.
beaten eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative made by mixing ground flaxseed with water, providing a similar binding effect.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a slightly different mineral content and flavor.
frying oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for frying malasadas.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Malasadas
How to Store or Freeze Malasadas
Allow the malasadas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
Place the cooled malasadas in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Store the container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing.
To freeze, arrange the malasadas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the malasadas are firm.
Once frozen, transfer the malasadas to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the malasadas at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. For a quicker option, microwave on a low setting for 20-30 seconds.
To regain their crispy texture, reheat the malasadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave for too long, as it can make them chewy.
If desired, roll the reheated malasadas in sugar again to refresh their sweet coating.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the malasadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you prefer a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the malasadas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become chewy.
For a more traditional approach, you can reheat the malasadas in a frying pan. Heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the malasadas and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the malasadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-4 minutes until they are warm and have a nice texture.
Essential Tools for Making Malasadas
Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix ingredients together, ensuring even distribution.
Whisk: Essential for whisking together the flour, sugar, and salt, as well as beating the eggs.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, milk, and butter.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like salt and yeast.
Spoon: Handy for stirring the ingredients and dropping dough into the hot oil.
Frying pan: Used to heat the oil and fry the malasadas until golden brown.
Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing the malasadas from the hot oil and allowing excess oil to drain.
Paper towels: Placed on a plate to drain the fried malasadas and absorb excess oil.
Plate: Used to hold the paper towels and malasadas after frying.
Kitchen thermometer: Helpful for ensuring the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
Plastic wrap: Used to cover the dough while it rises.
Rolling pin: Optional, but can be used to flatten the dough before cutting into balls.
Knife: Useful for cutting the dough into smaller pieces if needed.
How to Save Time on Making Malasadas
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and organize flour, sugar, and other ingredients before starting to streamline the process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly combine the dough ingredients, saving you time and effort.
Proof in a warm oven: Speed up the dough rising process by placing it in a warm (but off) oven.
Preheat oil while dough rises: Start heating the frying oil as the dough is rising to save time.
Use a cookie scoop: For uniform malasadas, use a cookie scoop to drop the dough into the oil.

Malasadas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup milk warm
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 quart oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add melted butter and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Using a spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove malasadas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Roll in sugar while still warm.
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